Recently Unveiled Captivating Waltz Emerges 200 Years Following Chopin’s Passing
# An Extraordinary Find: An Unidentified Frédéric Chopin Waltz Revealed at the Morgan Library & Museum
Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) stands as an enduring icon in classical music, celebrated for his deeply expressive compositions, primarily for piano solo. His oeuvre remains essential, encompassing nocturnes, preludes, études, and waltzes, each reflecting his mastery of the instrument and exceptional compositional voice. In a remarkable recent incident within the classical music realm, the Morgan Library & Museum in New York unveiled, on October 28, 2024, a previously undiscovered waltz by the Polish virtuoso that had been concealed for centuries.
This freshly discovered piece marks the first significant finding of a Chopin manuscript in nearly a century, sending ripples of excitement through the music community. Though modest in both size and performance duration, this waltz illuminates Chopin’s compositional methods and raises fascinating inquiries about his life.
## The Discovery: A Concealed Manuscript Uncovered
The revealed manuscript was initially detected by Dr. Robinson McClellan, an associate curator at the Morgan Library, while sorting through the Artur Saltz Collection, donated to the museum in 2019. The uniqueness of this discovery lies in the fact that it is the first notable Chopin finding since the late 1930s. Enthusiasts of Chopin, musicologists, and pianists around the globe now have an exhilarating new piece to add to his 230-plus musical works.
The manuscript, consisting of 24 precisely notated measures, has been verified to include a “repeat,” leading to a total performance time of about a minute. This waltz is significantly shorter than any other waltz within Chopin’s repertoire but still embodies the elegance and profound depth typical of his style.
Despite its brevity, the music exceeds the label of mere fragment. As stated by the Morgan Library, this waltz is considered a “complete piece,” showcasing the intricate structural “tightness” often associated with Chopin’s finished compositions.
Physically, the manuscript is slightly larger than an index card, measuring roughly 4 x 5 inches — much smaller than the standard scores of full-length sonatas or other waltzes. Scholars surmise that its size suggests the composer may have intended this piece as a personal gift, aligning with other examples of his similarly-sized manuscripts. Notably, Chopin did not sign this piece, which may indicate that he reconsidered giving it away or finalizing its presentation.
## Academic Examination and Authenticity
In the aftermath of the discovery, McClellan, in collaboration with musicologists from the Morgan Library, endeavored to verify the manuscript’s authenticity. He worked closely with Professor Jeffrey Kallberg, a noted Chopin specialist at the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Kallberg’s comprehensive research, combined with a careful study of the manuscript’s stylistic and notational characteristics, concluded that the waltz was very likely written by Chopin himself.
The discovery has ignited scholarly debates. Speculations abound—was this piece created as an impromptu idea, aimed at a specific patron or friend, or merely a sketch that Chopin never meant to publish? While these queries remain unanswered, what is clear is that this work marks a new chapter in grasping the composer’s artistic evolution.
## A Musical Exploration of the New Waltz
The essence of the piece promises to be as captivating as its revelation. The Morgan Library noted intriguing deviations from Chopin’s established waltz structures that may astonish listeners. “Several moody, dissonant measures culminate in a loud climax, before a sorrowful melody commences,” states the Morgan Library’s announcement, “None of his known waltzes begin in this manner.” The emotional tension forged through such a striking musical arrangement suggests a more experimental aspect of Chopin previously unseen in his published dance works.
The piece’s shorter duration and stark contrast between dissonance and lyrical beauty further distinguish this waltz. Traditionally, compositions by the maestro, such as the famous *Valse in D-flat major, Op. 64, No. 1* (commonly referred to as the “Minute Waltz”), balance elegance and virtuosity across broader narratives. In contrast, this work offers a more concentrated emotional outpouring in a brief burst of creativity, flawlessly retaining the intensity expected in a Chopin piece.
## Significance for Future Research
While concise, the newly found waltz has generated enthusiasm well beyond classical music enthusiasts. This manuscript signifies much more than just an addition to Chopin’s collection; it compels scholars to revisit some of their preconceived notions about his compositional practices and the circumstances under which he penned various pieces.
Dr. Robinson McClellan highlighted the significance of this find for Chopin research: “This newly unearthed waltz